FOR MORE INFORMATION
cpsc.gov: Which Helmet for Which Activity?
cpsc.gov: Micromobility - E-Bikes, E-Scooters, and Hoverboards
healthychildren.org: Are Electric Bikes (E-Bikes) Safe for Children?
E-Bike Safety
Electric bicycles are larger, heavier, and faster than traditional bikes. E-bikes were responsible for about 24,400 emergency room visits in 2022 alone. Use the following tips to learn how your family can help prevent injury while riding electric bikes.
There are three types of electric bikes, commonly known as e-bikes.
- Class 1: motor assists when the rider is pedaling and can go up to 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2: throttle propels the bike with or without pedaling, and can go up to 20 miles per hour.
- Class 3: provides assistance while pedaling and can reach speeds of 28 miles per hour or more.
Check your state and community laws and policies regarding electric bike usage. Indiana state law requires any person under 18 to wear a helmet while riding an electric bike. A license is not required to operate one.
Children younger than 15 years old cannot operate a class 3 electric bike. Class 3 e-bikes are not allowed on bike paths or multi-use paths unless they are part of a highway or roadway.
Consider your child's age, biking skill level, understanding of traffic laws, and maturity before allowing them to ride an e-bike.
Educate your child about the differences between e-bikes and traditional bicycles. Explain that e-bikes travel at much higher speeds and must be operated as if they were a vehicle on the road.
Always wear a Consumer Product Safety Commission-approved helmet. Visit cpsc.gov - Which Helmet for Which Activity? for more information about which type of helmet to use for different activities.
Consider wearing other protective gear, such as knee, elbow, and wrist pads. Make sure you wear brightly colored clothing with reflectors when riding.
Add lights, reflectors, a horn, and a flag to your bicycle to help others see and hear you better while riding.
Obey all traffic laws while riding an e-bike. For example:
- Ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Ride in bike lanes or on bike trails when possible and allowed based on local policies.
- Follow all posted traffic rules, lights, signs, and speed limits.
E-bikes can be difficult for others to see and hear. Alert motorists and pedestrians of your presence. Use proper hand signals when stopping, slowing down, and turning. Do not make sudden, unexpected movements.
Be aware of obstacles and uneven surfaces that could cause you to stop suddenly or throw you from the bike. Keep the following in mind:
- Keep both hands on the handlebars at all times.
- Slow down and lean back when approaching uneven ground.
- Never ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Only allow one person on an e-bike at a time. Additional riders can increase the risk and severity of a crash.
Avoid distractions - do not ride a bike while looking at your phone. Avoid riding a bike and talking on the phone or listening to music. Pay attention to the sounds around you, including cars and sirens.
E-bike batteries can increase the risk of fire. Use the following tips to help prevent issues with the battery:
- Only use the charger provided by the manufacturer for your e-bike.
- Always remain present while charging the battery, and do not leave it charging overnight.
- Never use a battery that has been modified or repurposed.
- Do not throw lithium batteries into the trash or general recycling. Look for hazardous waste drop-off locations and recycling centers near you.
Do you have questions about e-bike safety?
Call our FREE Safety Store Helpline at 317-274-6565. You can talk live with our staff Monday-Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM about your safety questions.